entail

 
Pronunciation: /ɪnˈteɪl, ɛn-/

verb

[with object]
  • 1involve (something) as a necessary or inevitable part or consequence: a situation which entails considerable risks
  • Logic have as a logically necessary consequence.
  • 2 Law limit the inheritance of (property) over a number of generations so that ownership remains within a particular family or group: her father’s estate was entailed on a cousin
  • archaic cause to experience or possess (something) permanently or inescapably: I cannot get rid of the disgrace which you have entailed upon us

noun

Law
  • a limitation of the inheritance of property to certain heirs over a number of generations: the damage being done in England by entails [mass noun]: landed property was governed by primogeniture and entail
  • a property bequeathed under an entail: the spinning mills were not part of the entail

Derivatives

entailment

noun

Origin:

late Middle English (referring to settlement of property; formerly also as intail): from en-1, in-2 'into' + Old French taille 'notch, tax' (see tail2)